I always let you down
You're shattered on the ground but still I find you there
Next to me
~ Next to Me, Imagine Dragons
Kaylee let out a frustrated sigh as she stood sipping coffee in Caroline's kitchen, her eyes wandered to the ugly black wrist splint covering her right wrist and she sighed again. Caroline and she had spent the day at the doctors to make sure Kaylee's wrist wasn't broken from the night before.
It wasn't luckily, Kaylee would have died if she had to wear a cast for 6 weeks, at least her splint had straps so you could remove it, her wrist was sprained so the doc had given her a rather ugly, black brace that covered up her arm slightly and over her wrist, separating her thumb from the rest of her fingers.
Caroline had been the first to point out how ugly it was, which made Kaylee feel tonnes better, she hopped up onto the kitchen counter taking another big sip of her coffee, thinking about how she still had to wear the splint most of the time for 6 weeks, she scowled.
Caroline walked into the kitchen wrapped in a towel, her wet hair dripping onto the floor "I'm totally sympathetic to you right now Kaylee, but Damon's coming over" She announced, trying to seem apologetic, though Kaylee didn't really believe her "I'll drop you to your car though, you can drive right?"
Kaylee rolled her eyes while Caroline wasn't looking "I guess so" she said slowly as she thought about it, she actually had no idea if she was supposed to drive with only one hand in use but she didn't see any way around it.
She reached over to her phone from where it was sat on the kitchen counter, she turned it on, she had turned it off after Tyler had kept calling and texting to apologise, it was driving Kaylee crazy, so after sending a text to a worried Elena that she was fine and seeing a doctor, she shut her phone off.
Her phone, now on lit up with missed calls from Tyler and voicemail notifications, one thing caught her attention it was a missed call, the caller ID reading; Jeremy Gilbert.
Kaylee chewed on her bottom lip, an unfamiliar feeling churning in her stomach; nevertheless she put her phone away, refusing to call either of them back.
After she was dropped off at her car by Caroline, who was obviously busting to see Damon and couldn't drop Kaylee off faster, Kaylee got into her car and let out a frustrated sigh resting her head on the steering wheel it was times like this that Kaylee wished she call her mom up and get picked up, but she knew her mother had barely left the house in months, let alone drive all the way to the high school.
She considered calling her sister Karen, just to vent, but she didn't want to unload all the drama from Mystic Falls to someone who was away at college trying to get away from Mystic Falls. Kaylee hadn't even told Karen how bad their mother had gotten since their father left town. Karen didn't have such a good relationship with their mother, Lisa so they barely spoke, every time Karen asked Kaylee about her Kaylee would lie and say their mother was doing fine.
Kaylee groaned slightly as she started the car, hope I don't die, she thought to herself as she, with her non-injured hand, put the car in drive.
After surviving a few car journeys of driving herself, Kaylee walked into the grill, planning to meet Bonnie.
As she walked in, her stomach sank, Tyler was sat with his parents a few tables away, and a few tables away from him was Jeremy. Kaylee locked eyes with the younger Gilbert as he noticed her, his eyes flicked down to her splinted wrist and back up to meet her eyes, looking guilty.
She looked away from him as she heard her name being called by Tyler's mother, who was beckoning Kaylee over to their table, reluctantly Kaylee walked over to them "Hello" She said quietly as she approached the table the Lockwood's were sat at.
Carol's wide smile fell as the strawberry blonde girl got closer "My god, what happened!?" She exclaimed looking down at Kaylee splinted wrist.
Kaylee groaned internally as Carol asked that question, her eyes met Tyler's pleading ones for a moment, she hesitated, she knew Tyler's father better than anyone, and the temper he had "I sprained it, I tripped and fell down my stairs" she lied smoothly forcing a smile to her face. She hadn't forgiven Tyler by a long stretch but she knew the wrath Tyler would face if his father found out the truth.
Jeremy sat a few tables away, within earshot scoffed to himself as he eavesdropped on the conversation between the Lockwood's and Kaylee. Kaylee ignored the grateful look Tyler was giving her across the table.
"Oh dear" Carol spoke sympathetically; she brightened quickly "I'll see you at our house later though for the founders party?" Before Kaylee could answer she gasped loudly, looking between Tyler and Kaylee "Tyler!" Carol exclaimed "You should escort Kaylee to the party, you two look amazing together, like when the two of you were children" She clasped her hands together giving them both a pleading look.
Kaylee cringed internally, there was no way she wanted to do that, she didn't miss Vicky scowling at her from the bar "Uhh" She began as Tyler opened his mouth, she spoke before he could however "Sorry Carol, I already have a date" she lied again feigning being disappointment.
"Oh" Carol sighed deflating "Well, have your mother call me, we must catch up."
Kaylee's false smile froze in place "I will excuse me" She said, and before Carol could protest she quickly walked away towards where Bonnie was sitting, and Caroline had since joined her.
Bonnie gave her a sympathetic look as she sat but didn't say anything which Kaylee was thankful for. Bonnie turned back to Caroline "You're taking Damon to the founder's party? What about me?" she exclaimed.
Kaylee butted in before Caroline could "You're my date now, girlfriend" she offered with a joking wink.
"Sounds perfect" Bonnie said giggling at Kaylee's wink. Kaylee was secretly glad, she wouldn't have to show up the founder's party alone and have to explain to Carol Lockwood why she was alone.
Bonnie frowned, looking back over at Caroline "What about your mom? Is she okay with you bringing Damon?" She asked. Kaylee looked to Caroline for the answer to that question as well.
Caroline shrugged, uncaringly "And I'm supposed to care why?"
"He's older sexy danger guy." Bonnie retorted sending Kaylee into a fit of giggles.
Caroline joined her giggling "Older sexy danger guy? Is that an official witch twitter tweet?" This made Kaylee laugh even more, Bonnie scowled at them both.
"No more witch jokes, okay? That whole Mr. Tanner prediction thing has me freaked." Kaylee stopped laughing at the mention of Tanner, she had only found out a few hours ago and she hadn't really wrapped her head around it, sure she had hated Tanner but it was still disturbing how he had just died.
"Okay. And Damon's not dangerous. You know, he just has a lot of issues with his brother. You know, like major, deep-rooted drama." Caroline baited looking between Kaylee and Bonnie.
Kaylee sat up straight at the mention of this "Like what?" She asked with a frown.
"I'm not really supposed to say anything." Caroline said slowly, biting her lip.
"Caroline Forbes, when have you ever kept a secret in your life?" Bonnie pointed out while Kaylee nodded in agreement, Caroline was a major gossip; Kaylee secretly loved it hearing all about everyone's business.
"Okay. But you can't tell Elena."
"No" Bonnie and Kaylee said in unison, Caroline sighed but then launched into a story all about Stefan, Damon and their ex Katherine.
After hearing Caroline's extensive story about Katherine and the Salvatore brothers Kaylee went to the bathroom, on her way out of the hallway leading to the bathroom, she bumped into a tall figure, she looked up to see Jeremy Gilbert.
She opened her mouth to speak but he beat her to it "Why would you lie for him?" He demanded frowning down at her.
Kaylee wasn't expecting that and it took a moment for her to answer "I had my reasons" she replied vaguely thinking about Tyler's hot-tempered father "Besides he's my oldest friend I can't be mad forever" she added.
Jeremy scoffed "Yeah right" he muttered, before Kaylee could reply he spoke again "You should hear what your friend says about you when you're not around" he snapped harshly.
Kaylee blinked a few times at him surprised, she didn't know what he was talking about but she didn't like him talking to her in this way, she crossed her arms and gave him a defiant look "This doesn't sound like an apology" she remarked coolly.
He scoffed again scowling down at her "Tyler's the one who pushed you" He reminded, he knew he was being an asshole, but he couldn't help it, it infuriated him to see Kaylee defend the guy who hurt her so forcefully.
Kaylee gritted her teeth, feeling angry "He did, but you were still fighting with him!"
"I only did that because- "Jeremy stopped himself from saying the reason he had punched Tyler Kaylee stood up a little straighter interested to know the reason he had done it.
"Whatever" Jeremy snapped, not wanting to hurt Kaylee any more than she already was "I hope your wrist feels better" he added before stepping around her and walking away.
Kaylee watched him go feeling angry and confused and a little hurt but she brushed it off and walked away herself, heading to Elena's.
The next day Kaylee was feeling angrier than before, her mother hadn't even noticed she was injured, and she had a terrible time at the founder's party, mainly because she had spent it sulking in a corner trying to avoid all Lockwood family members.
Kaylee hoped the sexy suds carwash would put her in a better mood, Caroline had taken pity on her and told her she didn't need to wash cars with her wrist, that she was on minding the money. Kaylee, to her amusement had been strictly told she was still to wear a bikini.
She sat in the sun hoping to get a tan with the cash box on the front of her box, Caroline had pointedly placed a calculator next to it "Math is not your strong suit" She said when Kaylee raised her eyebrows.
"Hey guys" Elena greeted them, and she pulled up at chair next to Kaylee.
Caroline greeted her then turned back to Kaylee "No friend discounts. No freebies. No pay you later. We are not running a charity here" she spoke firmly.
Kaylee shared a grin with Elena "Certainly not" she giggled. Caroline nodded then walked over to Tiki yelling about something or other.
"Hey how are you doing?" Elena asked, looking over at her strawberry blonde friend "How's your wrist has Jeremy apologised to you yet, I told him he had to"
Kaylee hesitated, she could tell Elena that her brother had done anything but apologise, but for some reason she didn't want him to have Elena mad at him for something else, like she was a lot lately.
"Yeah" Kaylee lied with a smile "He did it's all good now, wasn't really his fault."
"No, it was" Elena hummed in disagreement "But he's said sorry at least, you know, I cannot wrap my head around Vicki being in my bathroom."
This caught Kaylee's attention, she looked away from scanning the crowd at the carwash and her gaze snapped to her friend "Wait what?"
Elena nodded "Its gross right I mean Vicki and my brother who would've thought." She quickly stood up and turned when Stefan arrived, and the pair wondered off together to wash cars.
Kaylee leaned back in her chair thinking about this news, she had known Jeremy and Vicki had hooked up over the summer, but she had assumed that's all it was, she had no idea they would actually start dating or something. Kaylee chewed on her bottom lip as she thought this over, she couldn't figure out why she suddenly had a pit in her stomach.
She couldn't dwell on it for long as a guy walked up to her table wanting to pay for his car wash with a 50-dollar bill, she huffed and grabbed the calculator.
Halloween came around way to fast, Kaylee was acutely aware that she had barely spoken to her friends in the past few days, she decided she was going to forget her troubles and have a fun Halloween.
Luckily Caroline was on the same page on her, she walked up to where Kaylee and Bonnie were standing "I've got your costumes" she announced handing them both shopping bags.
Kaylee grinned and peaked inside hers "The Little Mermaid, really Caroline"
Bonnie had the opposite reaction she looked into her bag and groaned "Seriously" she exclaimed pulling out the witch costume, Kaylee giggled and high-fived Caroline.
Caroline huffed and leaned back against the lockers "Come on. Can someone please be excited that it's Halloween? I just wanna have fun, you know, just some silly, fluffy, Damon free fun."
"I'm in" Kaylee announced raising her hand, Caroline grinned at her.
"Hey, isn't this the one you got from Damon?" Bonnie injected holding up a yellow necklace that was a part of her Halloween costume.
"Yep. Wear it. Toss it. I don't care. I just want it gone." Caroline shrugged and then stood up straight" Hey, have you seen Elena? Do we know what she's wearing?"
"I was with Grams all weekend. I haven't talked to her." Bonnie said putting her costume back into the bag.
"Yeah I was chilling out on the couch, maybe she's with Stefan." Kaylee suggested.
"Riding to his castle on his white horse." Caroline said bitterly making Kaylee giggle.
"Don't be bitter, it provokes wrinkles" Bonnie replied as the three made their way down the decorated hallway, Kaylee burst out laughing when she saw Caroline touch her forehead.
The Halloween dance got crazier every year, the entire school had been decorated like a haunted house with flashing lights blinding Kaylee as she moved through the school.
"Looking fine ladies" She said to Caroline and Bonnie as she met up with them outside the school, in front of a giant cauldron.
"Back at ya" Caroline grinned at her, Kaylee grinned back, she felt a little overexposed in her costume, a green mermaids tail covered her legs and only a clam shell bra covered her front, she had curled her hair and aside from the splint on her arm she looked the splitting image of the little mermaid. However, Kaylee had promised herself and Caroline she would have fun and make the best of the night so that's what she intended to do.
"Cider for the ladies." Tyler appeared out of thin air carrying drinks, he shot Kaylee an apprehensive look "It's a Lockwood special."
"No way" Bonnie denied "Last year I was hung over until Thanksgiving."
Caroline snorted and took one "Lightweight. I am going to drink until someone is hot enough to make out with."
Kaylee reached out a wordlessly accepted the drink from Tyler, who shot her a look before grinning at Caroline "Sounds like a plan" The three of them toasted and drank to Caroline's proclamation.
Tyler leaned close to Kaylee "Can I talk to you?" he asked.
She sighed but nodded sipping her drink, the pair walked off to the side to be alone, although there were so many partying teenagers there was nowhere private or quiet.
Tyler sighed then looked Kaylee in the eyes "I'm really sorry, I was a total ass I never meant to hurt you."
Kaylee huffed and crossed her arms "Yet you did mean to hurt Jeremy."
Tyler frowned "I guess he told you what I said" he spoke sadly. Kaylee shook her head "No he didn't"
Tyler raised his eyebrows "Okay it's not important all that matters is that I was an ass and I'll never say anything like it again are we good?" he asked hopefully.
Kaylee looked at her childhood friend and knew, although she wanted to let him suffer a while that she had forgiven him, she rolled her eyes "Yeah we're good you dick."
Tyler grinned "I missed you Jackson."
Kaylee grinned back "I promise Matt a dance, he only decided to come like an hour ago, I'll see you later." She lightly punched him in the shoulder and walked into the haunted house that was her school.
"See you Ariel" He yelled at her retreating figure, and chuckled when she flipped him off over her shoulder.
A few drinks later Kaylee still hadn't found Matt for her promised dance, Matt didn't dance often so she planned to have it before the night was over. She looked down at her phone about to text him and walked straight into someone, she would've landed on her ass if arms hadn't shot out and grabbed her keeping her upright.
Kaylee looked up to thank her saviour but only gulped when she found herself looking at Jeremy Gilbert. His hand were still on her arms holding her up and she was speechless to find her skin tingling where they were.
She quickly stepped put his grasp "Thanks" she muttered. He said nothing only looked her up and down in a way that make her cheeks suddenly feel warm.
"Listen, Kaylee" He began, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand looking sheepish, Kaylee leaned up to listen to him eagerly when she suddenly remembered what Elena had told her and Vicky. She scowled suddenly and couldn't stop the spreading of a feeling she didn't recognise, but definitely didn't like.
"Yeah look" She said effectively cutting him off "Don't worry about it" she said and pushed back him walking down the hall, not turning back once leaving him staring after her.
Thank you for reading, leave a review if you liked it and want more!
I don't own anything but Kaylee. xxxx